2014 Rogers Cup – Day 2 – 2nd Round Match Previews/Predictions

Agnieszka Radwanska will be desperate to reverse her recent form slum in Montreal; she will begin her campaign on Tuesday when she takes on Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova in the second round. Aga suffered one of her worst loses in recent times last week, going down to Varvara Lepchenko in three sets. The manner in which she lost was quite shocking, Aga hit a whopping 42 unforced errors and was a shadow of her usual crafty self. If the Pole can’t quickly turn things around she will fall outside the top 5 for the firs time in years. The pole has suffered a number of shocking, uncharacteristic loses this season including her straight sets loss to Makarova at Wimbledon, a straight sets loss to Domi in Melbourne and a straight set loss to Flavia at Indian Wells (yes, she was injured).

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova had a great grass court season, reaching the final in Birmingham and the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. The Czech had a positive start to her North American hard court swing on Monday, defeating Roberta Vinci in straight sets 7-5 -7-5.

Aga has won all three of the previous meetings between the two. All three victories were comprehensive straight set wins, however they haven’t played for just over three years. This is a potentially tricky opening round match for Aga but I just can’t see her losing three matches in a row. Aga has been practicing well in Montreal and looks to be in good spirits despite her recent poor performances

The match of the day sees Victoria Azarenka take on Alize Cornet. Vika is yet to return to the top of her game since returning from injury. Since her return, Vika has won just 1 of her 5 matches. Vika was certainly far from her best last week in Stanford, going down to Venus Williams in two tight sets. Alize Cornet also comes into this match with recent poor form. Coming into this event Alize lost three straight matches, including two first round loses in Bastad and Washington D.C. Alize broke her run of three straight loses with a straight sets victory over Lauren Dais in her opening round match in Montreal.

Vika has a perfect 3-0 record against Alize Cornet. However their previous 2 meetings which both took place last season, went the distance. Both ladies are known for their fighting qualities and never say die attitudes, this certainly promises to be an entertaining match. I believe Vika will start to turn things around in Montreal, starting with a hard fought victory over Cornet.